Lexie Hull & Kelsey Mitchell DESTROY Angel Reese & Sky – Indiana Fever WIN Without Caitlin Clark!

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Lexie Hull & Kelsey Mitchell DESTROY Angel Reese & Sky – Indiana Fever WIN Without Caitlin Clark!

Introduction

In a stunning display of depth and determination, the Indiana Fever obliterated the Chicago Sky by 27 points at the United Center, proving they’re far more than just Caitlin Clark’s team. Despite missing their superstar, key player Sophie Cunningham, and head coach Stephanie White, the Fever dominated from start to finish. Led by Kelsey Mitchell’s 17 points and Lexie Hull’s clutch shooting, with acting head coach Austin Kelly at the helm, Indiana humiliated Angel Reese and the Sky in front of a sold-out home crowd. This article dives into the Fever’s statement win and what it means for their season.

A Team in Crisis? Not Quite

Walking into the iconic United Center, the Indiana Fever faced what seemed like a perfect storm of adversity. Caitlin Clark, their rookie sensation, was sidelined with a quad injury, having already missed three consecutive games. Sophie Cunningham, the fiery sixth woman, was also out, and head coach Stephanie White was absent due to personal reasons. First assistant Austin Kelly stepped into the spotlight as acting head coach for the first time, tasked with leading a seemingly depleted roster into hostile territory against a Chicago Sky team hungry for revenge after a 35-point loss earlier in the season.

The narrative was set for disaster. Critics had long argued that the Fever were merely “Caitlin Clark plus four others,” suggesting that without her 19 points and 10 assists per game, the team would crumble. The Sky, coming off back-to-back wins against Dallas, saw this as their golden opportunity to exploit Indiana’s vulnerabilities. A sold-out crowd of over 21,000 fans packed the arena—hosting its first-ever WNBA game—expecting to witness a dominant Chicago performance in prime-time CBS coverage. But the Fever had other plans.

Austin Kelly: The Final Boss on the Sideline

Stepping into the head coach role, Austin Kelly exuded confidence and authority. Having worked with Stephanie White since 2012, Kelly knew the Fever’s system inside and out, but he’d never been in this position before. On the sideline, he looked like a seasoned veteran, described by commentators as the “final boss” overseeing his team. His posture, presence, and decision-making radiated head coach energy, inspiring both players and fans alike.

Kelly’s game plan was executed flawlessly, emphasizing defense as the foundation for offensive success. Post-game, he highlighted how the team’s focus on taking away Chicago’s strengths—particularly second-chance points—set the tone for the night. Under his leadership, the Fever didn’t just survive without their key figures; they thrived, delivering a performance that shocked the basketball world. Kelly’s debut win wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a statement about the team’s resilience and depth.

Kelsey Mitchell Steps Up as the Leader

With Caitlin Clark on the bench, all eyes turned to Kelsey Mitchell to fill the scoring void. Mitchell, who had been inconsistent this season with an average of 15 points per game compared to last year’s 19, faced immense pressure to lead the offense. Critics questioned whether she could handle the spotlight without Clark drawing defensive attention. From the opening tip, Mitchell answered with authority.

She attacked the basket with purpose, knocked down threes when given space, and found open teammates under double-team pressure. Mitchell finished with a team-high 17 points, showcasing veteran leadership at its finest. Her performance wasn’t about mimicking Clark—it was about being the best version of herself. Every possession mattered, and Mitchell delivered, slicing through Chicago’s defense with speed and precision. Her early dominance set the tone, building a 17-point lead that forced the Sky into a timeout and never looked back.

Lexie Hull’s Breakout Continues

Lexie Hull has quietly emerged as a key piece for the Fever this season, and her performance against the Sky was another chapter in her breakout story. Hull was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting both of her three-point attempts at critical moments. Her plus-minus rating was the highest in the game, underscoring her impact on both ends of the court. Hull has become a reliable shooter and defensive stopper, providing exactly what Indiana needed in Clark’s absence.

Her ability to step up in high-pressure situations isn’t just luck—it’s a testament to her growth as a player. Hull’s clutch shooting gave the Fever breathing room when Chicago attempted to rally, ensuring the lead remained insurmountable. Her contributions, alongside Mitchell’s scoring, highlighted the depth that critics had underestimated, proving Indiana’s roster is far more dangerous than a one-woman show.

Aaliyah Boston Dominates the Paint

While Mitchell and Hull handled the perimeter, Aaliyah Boston owned the interior. Boston delivered a complete two-way performance, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Defensively, she tied her career high with five blocks, altering shots and controlling the paint as a true anchor. Her intentionality in getting the ball—leading the league in field goal percentage during Clark’s absence—showed her determination to step up when it mattered most.

Boston’s dominance in the post opened up the floor for her teammates, creating space for Mitchell’s drives and Hull’s threes. Her ability to impact both ends of the court was a reminder of why she’s a cornerstone of this Fever squad. With Clark out, Boston’s performance was the kind of statement that fans had been waiting for, proving she can carry the load in the paint against any opponent.

Ary McDonald: The Unexpected Catalyst

Perhaps the most surprising hero of the night was Ary McDonald, a late-season signing on a hardship contract as of June 1st. Expected to be a mere depth piece for rotational minutes, McDonald stepped into the point guard role with a poise that belied her short tenure with the team. Running the offense without Clark seemed like an impossible task, yet McDonald handled it like a veteran who’d been with the Fever for years.

She finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block, including three crucial three-pointers that kept Chicago at bay. McDonald’s versatility—scoring in the paint, disrupting the Sky’s offense with active defense, and making sharp decisions—confused Chicago’s defenders, who had no scouting report for this version of Indiana’s attack. Her presence allowed the Fever to initiate offensive actions further from the three-point line, creating space for everyone else. McDonald didn’t just fill a gap; she elevated the entire team, proving that basketball IQ can outweigh familiarity.

A Defensive Masterclass

The Fever’s victory wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was a clinic in team basketball, particularly on defense. Kelly emphasized post-game that their best defense came through their offense, a strategy McDonald and others executed to perfection. Indiana held Chicago to a dismal 32.1% shooting from the field and a mere 20% from three-point range. The Sky’s starters went 8-for-29, and not a single player reached double figures in scoring.

The Fever also dominated the boards, negating Chicago’s strength in second-chance points, and forced 19 turnovers that turned into easy transition buckets. This defensive effort, combined with crisp ball movement—evidenced by 20 assists on 27 made shots—showed incredible chemistry. Indiana shot 45.8% from the field and 40.7% from three, knocking down 11 long-range shots. Every possession looked effortless, while Chicago appeared outclassed on both ends of the floor.

Chicago Sky’s Humiliation at Home

For the Chicago Sky, this game was supposed to be their moment of redemption after a 35-point loss to the Fever earlier in the season. With Indiana missing key pieces, Angel Reese and her teammates circled this date on their calendar, expecting an easy win. Instead, they suffered an even worse embarrassment—a 27-point beatdown in front of their home crowd at the United Center. The combined 62-point margin across both games this season underscores the Fever’s absolute dominance in this rivalry.

Reese, in particular, struggled mightily, managing just four points on 2-of-7 shooting, despite grabbing 12 rebounds. Her offensive impact was negligible, and her team’s overall performance mirrored her struggles. The Sky’s poor shooting, constant turnovers, and inability to counter Indiana’s depth painted a grim picture. Even an injury to Courtney VanderSloot in the first quarter compounded their misery. This wasn’t just a loss—it was a stark reminder that Chicago can’t compete with Indiana, with or without Clark on the court.

Post-Game Celebration: Pure Joy

The post-game locker room scene encapsulated the Fever’s triumph. Players drenched Austin Kelly with water, erupting in cheers and laughter as they celebrated his first win as acting head coach. Even Caitlin Clark, watching from the bench, joined in the festivities, shouting encouragement and famously yelling, “Get a water!” during the celebration. The team’s unity was palpable as they chanted “1, 2, 3!” together, a ritual of collective pride.

Kelly praised the team’s effort, noting their defensive tone from the jump, attention to detail in executing the scout, and toughness in holding Chicago’s scoring in check. His pride in their ability to stay locked in and execute at a high level was evident. This wasn’t just a win—it was a bonding moment that showcased the heart of this Fever roster, reinforcing their potential as a championship-caliber team.

Implications for the Fever’s Future

This victory at the United Center was more than a single game—it was a statement about the Indiana Fever’s identity. They proved they’re not reliant on Caitlin Clark alone, showcasing depth, heart, and chemistry that can carry them through adversity. Kelsey Mitchell’s leadership, Lexie Hull’s reliability, Aaliyah Boston’s dominance, and Ary McDonald’s unexpected impact all point to a roster with layers of talent waiting to be unleashed.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, this win offers a glimpse of what the Fever can achieve when healthy. If they can dominate a rival like Chicago without their best player, imagine their potential with Clark back in the lineup. The supporting cast stepping up in such a high-stakes environment suggests Indiana is building toward something special. This performance silenced critics who doubted their depth and reaffirmed their status as a team to watch in the WNBA.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Owned

The Indiana Fever’s 27-point destruction of the Chicago Sky was a masterclass in resilience and teamwork. Without Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, or Stephanie White, they turned adversity into triumph, led by Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Aaliyah Boston, and the surprising Ary McDonald. Austin Kelly’s debut as acting head coach was a resounding success, proving his capability under pressure. Meanwhile, Angel Reese and the Sky were left humiliated in their own building, unable to counter Indiana’s depth or execution.

This game solidified the Fever’s ownership of this rivalry, with or without their superstar on the court. It’s a reminder that great teams find ways to win even in the toughest circumstances. If you’re not excited about what this Fever squad can accomplish, you haven’t been paying attention. If you support Indiana, let us know in the comments with “I’ve got the Fever!” as we look forward to more dominant performances from this rising WNBA powerhouse.

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